Interceptive treatment (also known as preventive treatment) is the process of taking a proactive approach to dental issues before they arise or get worse. It includes a treatment plan that is designed for children who are at high risk for early childhood caries and to prevent the development of orthodontic problems.

What Are the Main Reasons for Interceptive Treatment?

Dental professionals recommend interceptive treatment to avoid the need for future dental work. These procedures are typically recommended for children, but adults may also require interceptive treatment. The following list highlights the most common reasons for recommending interceptive treatment:

Malocclusion: The sooner orthodontic treatment begins, the better. By treating orthodontic issues early, we can often eliminate the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future.

Crowding: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the baby teeth to fall out naturally, crowding occurs. The teeth can become crooked, overlap each other, or come in crooked. Crowding can make flossing and brushing more challenging.

Impacted teeth: A tooth that is impacted is one that has not erupted or come through the gums. If a tooth doesn’t erupt, it can lead to its own set of oral health issues, including infection and damage to neighboring teeth.

Deep overbites: An overbite is a condition in which the lower teeth are further forward than the upper teeth. Although an overbite is very common, a severe overbite can cause significant problems.

Crossbites: A crossbite is when your upper teeth stick out over your lower teeth. It can cause a number of dental problems, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and teeth grinding.

Open bites: An open bite, also known as a diastema, refers to when your upper and lower teeth don’t meet when you bite down. This condition can be present at birth, or it can develop over time. 

When Should Interceptive Treatment be Performed?

Interceptive treatment is appropriate when the permanent teeth have erupted but are showing signs of orthodontic problems.

What Are the Benefits of Interceptive Treatment?

Early treatment may prevent the removal of adult teeth and reduce the likelihood of fracturing a primary tooth.

Early treatment may also result in a shorter time in braces or Invisalign and, potentially, a shorter time in jaw surgery if such is needed.

To learn more about our dental options, you can call Orthodontist in Salt Lake City, UT  from your nearest location. We will be happy to help.